The Puppet Master [One Piece]

Awakening

~Echo’s POV~

                “It’s alright, Echo.” Captain Shanks chuckled as he stood waist deep in the crystal clear water of the remote cove we’d found.

                I desperately clung to the edge of the Cliffside we’d crossed to get to this semi-secluded patch of paradise. “Maybe we should try this some other day.” My voice shook as I stared down at the gentle lapping waves, “In still water.”

                “What are you so afraid of, Echo?” Shanks asked curiously.

                After the attack on the island, the marines deployed a few small vessels to scour the island to eliminate any survivors. I’d escaped to the ocean thinking that if I were to die I’d rather drown than give them the satisfaction of taking my life. The waves swept me under and no matter how much I had kicked and struggled they held me down and threw my helpless body against the hard coral reef. It hurt, when I could breathe no more I desperately gasped for air and inhaled mouthfuls of water. My lungs burned as they were filled with salty sea water and I was completely consumed with panic.

                “Echo?” Shanks sounded worried.

                I’d completely lost myself in my memories, “It looks like it’s going to rain, let’s try again tomorrow.” I said shakily as I turned to retreat.

                “There’s not a cloud in the sky.” Shanks pointed.

                “Tomorrow is good.” I began to inch my way back to shore. A loose rock slipped out from under me as I made my retreat and in my desperate attempt to stay on the rocky cliff I scraped my hands to hell. Despite my efforts, I wound up falling toward the treacherous sea with a panicked shriek.

                A strong arm encircled me as I hit the water’s surface and I found myself being held tightly by a very concerned looking Shanks. “Are you alright, Echo?”

                Though my feet were touching the sandy bottom I still felt terrified. The thought of a wave sweeping me out like it had before petrified me, “Don’t let go.” I whined helplessly.

                “Echo, you’re hands are bleeding.” He sounded panicked.

                “They’re fine.” I blushed and quickly shoved them in the water only to withdraw them with a gasp as the salt burned the cuts. Had I been wearing my wires they wouldn’t have gotten scratched up. I was completely useless without my wires.

                “Come on, let’s get you patched up.” Shanks smiled and waded his way back to shore with me desperately clinging to his back for dear life.

                I didn’t release Shanks when we finally reached the shore. He didn’t complain in the least, just turned in the direction where the others had made camp. “Wait.” My voice sounded small and anxious to my own ears as I stopped him from returning to camp.

                “What is it, Echo?” Shanks asked in concern.

                “The sniper’s going to make fun of me.” I pouted.

                Shanks laughed at this, a deep booming heartwarming laugh. I could feel it as I clung to him, his shoulders shook from the laughter and I felt a smile worm its way onto my lips as the rich beautiful sound lifted my spirits. “Alright, then wait here.” He chuckled as he set me on my feet in the soft white sand.